Galatians 6:6-10 (WEL) Let him who is instructed in the Word share all good things with him who teaches. 7 Do not be deceived. God is not mocked, for whatever a person sows, is what he will also reap. 8 For he who sows in his flesh will reap corruption from the flesh, but he who sows in the Spirit will reap everlasting life from the Spirit. 9 Let us not get worn out doing what is right, for we will reap eventually, if we don’t give up. 10 Therefore, when we have the opportunity, let us do good to all, especially to those of the family of faith.
V6 Let him who is instructed in the Word share all good things with him who teaches.
This can be the missionary, the pastor, the parent, the Sunday school teacher, or any believer who teaches, but specifically the full-time or part-time pastor, missionary, etc.
Good things can be hospitality, food, books, a place to study, software, money, health care, etc.
If one has only a little, they can always pray, for there is no reason to feel that one must neglect their own needs.
V7 Do not be deceived. God is not mocked, for whatever a person sows, is what he will also reap.
A person may justify what they do, but there are unknown results and consequences. As far as Jesus, the Judge of all (Acts 10:42, Acts 17:31, and 2 Timothy 4:1), everything done, planned, or thought is recorded (Romans 2:16 and Revelation 20:12).
There are consequences when we sin; there are also consequences when we do what is right in God’s eyes. We can spend our time earning money but neglect our family, our spiritual growth, our neighbors, etc. God knows all from the motivation to the act itself. Compare Proverbs 1:24-26 (reject God’s advice), Luke 6:46 (disobedience to God’s rules and standards), and Luke 16:14.
Remember, obedience to God’s rules brings blessings to others first but also to us, while disobedience to God’s rules brings God’s displeasure, chastisement, and possibly wrath.
V8 For he who sows in his flesh will reap corruption from the flesh, but he who sows in the Spirit will reap everlasting life from the Spirit.
Paul’s analogy likens planting a seed in the ground to how thoughts, desires, words, and deeds become part of us through sin. We can sow what God approves of or sow what our flesh demands. Compare Hosea 10:12 and James 3:18.
The flesh refers to the world system we live in on Earth (1 Corinthians 6:9-10). It is evil, corrupted, and cursed (Proverbs 3:33 and 2 Peter 2:14). Its actions are described in Galatians 5:19-21. A person who lives this worldview, lifestyle, beliefs, etc., will surely receive the wrath of God by conscious torment in the Lake of Fire forever and ever without end (Matthew 25:41, John 3:36, and Colossians 3:5-6).
The harvest of sowing in the flesh is reaping the wrath of God.
V9 Let us not get worn out doing what is right, for we will reap eventually, if we don’t give up.
Sometimes the opposition, the mockery, the slanders, the rejection for doing what is right in God’s eyes tempts us to quit. Do not quit. God watches us, sees us doing what we are able, and will reward us someday. Behind the scenes and unknown to us perhaps is this (2 Corinthians 12:9) “He said to me, “My grace is sufficient for you, for my strength is perfected in weakness.” Therefore, I would gladly boast in my weaknesses instead, so that the power of Christ might rest in me.”
We make the effort, He gives the grace. We make the effort, He will give the honor. Compare James 1:12.
V10 Therefore, when we have the opportunity, let us do good to all, especially to those of the family of faith.
When we have the opportunity to help, we should. We have to notice, to know the need, have the time and resources to meet the need, and the love to do so.
The family of faith refers to all believers in Jesus Christ. It is a family, not just a group of individuals. We are described as the body of Christ (1 Corinthians 12:27 and Romans 12:5), a family (Romans 8:14 and 1 Timothy 3:15), God’s Temple (God dwelling within each individual and collectively as in one Temple—1 Corinthians 3:16-17 and Ephesians 2:21-22), a vine (John 15:1-8), one flock of sheep (John 10:14-16), Bride of Christ (2 Corinthians 11:2 and Revelation 19:7-8).
The rank of who to help: 1) our spouse, 2) our children, 3) our parents, 4) the local assembly, 5) believers in other local assemblies, 6) believers outside our local area even to the ends of the Earth, and 7) nonbelievers.
Christians first, nonbelievers last.
We learn:
- Help provide the needs of full-time church workers.
- Sin has consequences.
- Help our fellow Christians.
Questions:
- Have you realized the consequences of sin?
- Have you been steadfast in doing what is right?